PA66 CF20 vs PA66 GF30
Polymer · PA66 grade comparison
PA66 CF20 and PA66 GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PA66: CF20 (20 % carbon fiber reinforced) versus GF30 (30 % short glass fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PA66 CF20 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for PA66 GF30, about 14% more. In exchange, PA66 GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2.2% for PA66 CF20. PA66 CF20 is lighter (1.25 g/cm³ vs 1.36 g/cm³ for PA66 GF30) and PA66 CF20 is stiffer (15 GPa vs 9.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PA66 CF20 welds better (very good vs good).
PA66 CF20Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PA66 GF30Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PA66 CF20 vs PA66 GF30: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.1 GPa0.16 Msi · Bulk Modulus 5 GPa0.65 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.39 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 80 MPa11.6 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.8 GPa0.41 Msi · Shear Strength 60 MPa8.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3 MPa·√m2.7 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 81 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 262°C504 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 70°C158 °F · Refractive Index 1.53
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,670 J/kg·K0.4 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 130°C266 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 250°C482 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 200°C392 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 25% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 170°C338 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.4 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Formability (cold) 50 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 30 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 290°C554 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 80°C176 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 120 MJ/kg51,591 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6.7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
PA66 CF20 vs PA66 GF30 — frequently asked
Is PA66 CF20 stronger than PA66 GF30?
Yes. PA66 CF20 has a typical tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for PA66 GF30 — about 14% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF20 or GF30?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which welds better, PA66 CF20 or PA66 GF30?
PA66 CF20. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for PA66 GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA66 CF20 and PA66 GF30 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.